My Valentines

I was looking for a picture in my files to post for Valentine's Day. I wasn't sure what I could possibly have with a hearts motif, but then came across this. It was something scribbled on the sidewalk of the church where our ministry holds its annual Christmas outreach. I remember snapping this shot 2 years ago. I'm glad I saved it! Next was to find the perfect quote and I think I did.

"The very first moment I beheld him, my heart was irrevocably gone.” ~ Jane Austen

It's a wonderful rare moment, when time stands still and everything around you fades away except for one person. Thank you, God, for giving me two of those exquisite droplets of time. The first when I saw a young man with longish dark hair in the high school band room and the second when I held his son in my arms ten years later.

Happy Valentine's Day.

Who Am I Kidding?

I went to the gym today after two months away due to various and sundry excuses, er, reasons.

It felt really good. 

It felt so good I want to go back early in the morning. 

I want to start every day by exercising!

Oh, those endorphins. Pretty little liars is what they are.

Like a Pallet

Pallet upcycling is a popular trend. It's all over Pinterest and other crafty websites. Recently I came across a stack of colorful pallets as I was short-cutting behind a shopping center...and I didn't have my camera. Darn! But I did have it when I saw this one in the ministry's warehouse. The pretty shades of blue caught my eye.

As I was going through a folder of pictures tonight I came across it again. Sometimes I find a picture first, which will inspire a post and that's what happened here. I admired the colors and texture while doing some Photoshop tweaking, Then I noticed for the first time the broken slat on the right.

It makes it even more perfect! It's a great metaphor for a life well lived - a life of purpose, one that serves others with it's gift. Along the way we acquire color and stains. Sometimes we get a splinter or two and sometimes we're another person's splinter.

Sometimes a part of us gets broken.

But our purpose is never over and our usefulness remains, until we are called home by our Creator.

Until then, keep learning, keep investigating, keep trying. Take what you know and upcycle it! Set another goal. Dream a new dream.

You are never too old.